Just 15 minutes off the coast of Cannes is a natural oasis waiting to be explored. Board a ferry to the lle Sainte-Marguerite—about a half-mile off shore from the French Riviera—for a relaxing morning or afternoon, depending on which departure you choose. Once on the island time is yours to hike, birdwatch or do some cultural exploring at the maritime museum. lle Sainte-Marguerite is also home to Fort Royal, a 17th century prison once housing the 'Man in the Iron Mask.' Private tours of the fort (own expense) are available.
What's Included
Round-trip ferry ride
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
Cannes - Île Sainte-Marguerite, 06400 Cannes, France
At the end of the Laubeuf carpark.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Make your own way to the ferry port in Cannes about 10 minutes before your selected departure time. Hop aboard for the short 15-minute ferry ride to Sainte-Marguerite island, admiring views across the Lerins archipelago and the Golfe de la Napoule along the way.
On arrival at the island, you are free to explore independently for as long as you like—just make sure to check the seasonal ferry departure times to ensure you don’t miss your return ferry. While on the island, perhaps explore one of the many marked hiking trails, go bird-watching at Batéguier lake, or take a tour of the Fort Royal (own expense), where the “Man in the Iron Mask” is believed to have been imprisoned.
Once you’ve finished exploring the island, make your way back to the port and use your return tickets to catch the next available ferry back to the mainland.
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
Drinks can be purchased on board; there are no bathroom facilities on the ferry
Be sure to check exact ferry departure and return times before your trip; the last departure from Ile Sainte-Marguerite to Cannes varies depending on the time of year (5pm in winter, 6pm in spring and autumn and 6:30pm in summer)
From Fall until Spring, the Royal Fort and Museum is closed on Mondays
From November to April, all restaurants are closed on the Island
No PCR or No Health pass needed to get on board
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travelers
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
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Featured review
Madison_R
The ferry was on time and very easy to find from where our cruise ship docked. Before getting on the ferry, the help desk was able to get us a map in English. All of the signage around the old fort explaining the history was in French only. We bought a sandwich lunch on the island. If you are wanting to snorkel, you will have to bring that stuff with you as there is no where to rent the stuff from the island.
Reviews
4.5
163 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
The app was easy to use, with good deals on offer. When I needed to change the date for my trip, I could do it without any fuss.
A wonderful day on the island
Annette_B, Apr 2024
The island is beautiful and the fort is worth a visit to learn the story of the man in the iron mask’s stay here. Our young grandchildren loved it. Lunch near the water is simply lovely at the local restaurant.
Very Bad Directions- Skip Viatour and book directly
Joe_A, Jan 2024
The instructions given in the text message were incorrect and we never found the embarcation point. We used the map link on their website and it took us to a vacant end of the jetty. When I called to get directions, the person on the phone was unable to solve the problem. We missed the ferry completely. I would not ever recommend booking this through viator. If you can find the ferry office, you can book the fare yourself and save the fees.
The staff is really...
Himanshu_G, Dec 2023
The staff is really supportive and helpful. Their policies are also really good. Its was really good to book with them.
Hiking day around the island
Madison_R, Oct 2023
The ferry was on time and very easy to find from where our cruise ship docked. Before getting on the ferry, the help desk was able to get us a map in English. All of the signage around the old fort explaining the history was in French only. We bought a sandwich lunch on the island. If you are wanting to snorkel, you will have to bring that stuff with you as there is no where to rent the stuff from the island.
Great day trip
Cheryl_G, Sep 2023
Great mini trip from Cannes. The boat ride was enjoyable. The views were incredible. The old fort was interesting as well as the museum. Enjoyed walking the trails to the beach.
Ferry to Saint Marguerite was great!
Jok_A, Jul 2023
Efficient and exciting way to get to Ste Marguerite. The process of picking up the ticket was smooth. Get there early if you want a good seat on the ferry.
Easy booking method,...
Oliver_Z, Jul 2023
Easy booking method, friendly and knowledgeable staff, comfortable boat ride, very punctual. The meeting point or collection point for tickets was not clearly marked. We spent a bit of time walking around the marina trying to find the tickets kiosk. A brief description of directions and landmarks on the booking site would have helped.
A retreat from vacation
William_A, Jun 2023
The ferry only transported you to the island. Once on the island beach and water was amazing. There is also a nice restaurant hidden away and great for hiking.
Excellent
Clyde_T, Oct 2022
Diving to see the Statues And walking around the island so peaceful and beautiful Loved seeing the eucalyptus trees
Interesting island
Sandra_S, Sep 2022
Short trip to an interesting island. Castle, nature hike, and snorkeling here are the attractions. Very nice afternoon with marvelous views of Cannes and vicinity!
Excellent trip
Graham_A, Aug 2022
Excellent trip there and back and the crew were very helpful. The boat left on time and arrived to pick us up on time.
A great all-round experience.
Go directly to the ticket window
MichaelA_G, Aug 2022
It was a great trip, but could have been done more cheaply. On line it was not possible to pay less for children. Going directly to the ticket window in the old port allows to pay less for children. We bought through Viator because we were worried we could not get a seat in August. There were seats available to those who walk up in the morning.
Quick ride, but limited communication.
Lucia_G, Aug 2022
The ferry ride was quick. There were no explanations about where to go or what to see nor a schedule posted of return times. The line up to return back to Cannes was disorganized, chaotic and many of us had to wait longer for another boat, with limited communication to those waiting on the dock.
Well worth it.
Geoff_P, Jul 2022
Excellent service....easy to use with plenty of options time wise....great views of Cannes from the Island...not a single negative.
Beautiful little island
Maxine_W, Jul 2022
Easy to book on line and collected tickets at place you board the ferry. Beautiful little island. One large restaurant that you seem to need to book in advance and a smaller restaurant which we ate at; lovely little place with great staff. Couple of snack places too. Great day out which I would highly recommend.
Amazing trip! Definitely...
Fraser_C, Jul 2022
Amazing trip! Definitely coming back soon. We loved swimming and snorkeling. Had great meal in the restaurant L’Escale. Everything was easy to find and explore.
Easy way to get to island
Kristen_R, Jul 2022
Simple! Quick! Glass bottom boat was fun for kids. Easy to leave to come back - boat runs back and forth.
The only way to get there
NIGEL_P, Jun 2022
Very helpful lady at reception desk. Quick and easy ride. Great views from boat across harbour. Easy to disembark
Timely and efficient service and beautiful island
Kristina_B, May 2022
The ferry was on time and the trip was pleasant. The island is a gem, there are picnic tables with a view of the water. We had a wonderful time on the island!
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From $21.95
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)